City/town information
Alameda is an island community in the San Francisco bay. The city has a large collection of Victorian and Craftsman era homes on tree lined streets. We have a vibrant art community, many restaurants and cafes. It is a family friendly city with many parks and activities. Alameda is relatively flat and very walkable. It has good bus service and also ferry service to other bay area locations. Alameda is a perfect home base for visiting San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley.
48 locals recommend
Alameda
Alameda is an island community in the San Francisco bay. The city has a large collection of Victorian and Craftsman era homes on tree lined streets. We have a vibrant art community, many restaurants and cafes. It is a family friendly city with many parks and activities. Alameda is relatively flat and very walkable. It has good bus service and also ferry service to other bay area locations. Alameda is a perfect home base for visiting San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley.
Sightseeing
Tour a historic aircraft carrier led by docents who served on this or similar ships. This ship recovered Apollo astronauts from the Pacific Ocean. It is a very special place to visit.
88 locals recommend
USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum
707 W Hornet AveTour a historic aircraft carrier led by docents who served on this or similar ships. This ship recovered Apollo astronauts from the Pacific Ocean. It is a very special place to visit.
Alameda's shoreline has a long sandy beach, gorgeous views of downtown San Francisco, kite surfers, volleyball nets and walking/biking paths.
20 locals recommend
Shoreline Park
Pacific MarinaAlameda's shoreline has a long sandy beach, gorgeous views of downtown San Francisco, kite surfers, volleyball nets and walking/biking paths.
Entertainment
This is SO fun. Pay one admission fee and all machines are on free play. It starts as a curiosity and becomes an obsession.
68 locals recommend
Pacific Pinball Museum
1510 Webster StThis is SO fun. Pay one admission fee and all machines are on free play. It starts as a curiosity and becomes an obsession.
This converted industrial building is home to concerts, art exhibits, crazy themed bingo events and more. Check their calendar before you arrive for events happening during your visit.
9 locals recommend
Rhythmix Cultural Works
2513 Blanding AveThis converted industrial building is home to concerts, art exhibits, crazy themed bingo events and more. Check their calendar before you arrive for events happening during your visit.
Food scene
Great food for breakfast and lunch, outdoor tables, local art on exhibit, a gathering place for locals.
33 locals recommend
Blue Dot Cafe & Coffee Bar
1910 Encinal AveGreat food for breakfast and lunch, outdoor tables, local art on exhibit, a gathering place for locals.
One of my favorite spots for breakfast and lunch. Elevated southern cuisine with a few other styles thrown in. I love their shrimp and grits and always check out their specials. They have had limited service due to COVID, please check with them to see if they are serving in their dining room.
13 locals recommend
Neptune's
630 Central AveOne of my favorite spots for breakfast and lunch. Elevated southern cuisine with a few other styles thrown in. I love their shrimp and grits and always check out their specials. They have had limited service due to COVID, please check with them to see if they are serving in their dining room.
Over the top Tiki bar. It can't be done much better. They have bar food and sometimes music. There is an outdoor patio too.
71 locals recommend
Forbidden Island
1304 Lincoln AveOver the top Tiki bar. It can't be done much better. They have bar food and sometimes music. There is an outdoor patio too.
Upscale Italian restaurant in a relaxed setting. Indoor and outdoor seating, great bar, open kitchen, welcoming staff and delicious food.
71 locals recommend
Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails
2213 S Shore CenterUpscale Italian restaurant in a relaxed setting. Indoor and outdoor seating, great bar, open kitchen, welcoming staff and delicious food.
Delicious Laotian and Thai food. Generous portions. Bring home leftovers for lunch the next day.
Bhan Mae Vane
Delicious Laotian and Thai food. Generous portions. Bring home leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ceron Kitchen
Higher end dining for a special evening.
The Noodle Lover Club
Delicious noodle dishes. Their noodle soups are terrific.
A special treat! The cafe is located on a dock at Marina Grand Harbor. Great breakfast and lunch choices and an unbeatable location. Dogs are welcome.
9 locals recommend
Mosley's Cafe
2099 Grand StA special treat! The cafe is located on a dock at Marina Grand Harbor. Great breakfast and lunch choices and an unbeatable location. Dogs are welcome.
For Dog Owners
Alameda Dog Park
1302 8th StLarge gated dog park with separate sections for large and small dogs.
Alameda See Spot Run
2510 Santa Clara AvenueGreat pet store with grooming, food, treats, toys and more.
Self service dog washing stations, veterinarian hours each week for vaccinations and more, oh and food too!
Pet Food Express
2661 Blanding AvenueSelf service dog washing stations, veterinarian hours each week for vaccinations and more, oh and food too!
Under One Woof
Doggy day care for small dogs and grooming also.
City advice
What to pack
Bring layers.
The temperature is moderate here and can range from warm to cool/cold at different times of the day. Bring light layers that are easy to carry when you are not wearing them.
Getting around
Local and transbay bus lines are nearby
AC Transit busses run on Santa Clara Avenue about 6 blocks from the cottage that serve the cities in the east bay and into San Francisco. You can also take a bus to Broadway & 12th Street in Oakland to access BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Bus routes change from time to time, so please check the latest information via the AC Transit website.
Getting around
Ride a ferry
Alameda has 3 ferry terminals. Two at the west end of the main island that go to San Francisco and one on Bay Farm Island that goes to downtown San Francisco, Oyster Point and the Giant's Stadium. It is a fun way to go to a Giant's game.
https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/